Anna Deavere Smith discusses and demonstrates her unique character portrayals from her works "Fires in the Mirror" and "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992."

Richard McLanathan discusses his book "The American Tradition in the Arts" and takes Studs on a sprawling journey through artistic breakthroughs in architecture, painting, literature, and more while touching on dozens of artists and their works.

Discussing "El Bario in Chicago" and interviewing members of LADO (the Latin American Defense Organization).

Sandra Cisneros recounts the creation of her works from her new release "Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories" as well as "House on Mango Street". The following have been removed due to copyright restrictions: "Eleven", "Mexican Movies", "Eyes of Zapata", "Bien Pretty" and "One Holy Night". From "House on Mango Street" she reads "A Smart Cookie", "Hips", "My Name", and "Mi Tocayo," "Those Who Don't."

Studs interview with five Puerto Rican boys: Hector, Jose, Victor, Harry and Carlos. Two other young men enter the conversation at the end: Raphael and Benjamin. Each boy describes a memory and some express a desire to return to Puerto Rico, while others wish to stay in America. The boys describe some about gang life with the Latin Kings and the violent relationship between gangs in Chicago. Studs suggests a peace conference with all gang leaders, and the boys describe their opinion of the outcome of such a meeting.

Sandra Cisneros sits down with Studs Terkel and provides behind the scenes commentary on poems from her new book "My Wicked Wicked Ways." She provides an enlightening history to them. "Curtains," "Velorio," "Arturo Burro," "I Told Susan Reyna," "Traficante," "In a redneck bar down the street," The Poet Reflects on Her Solitary Fate," "His Story," "Letter to Ilona from the South of France," "New Year's Eve" have been removed due to copyright restrictions.

Studs Terkel interviews José "Cha Cha" Jiménez, founder of the Young Lords. At the time of the interview, Jiménez is preparing a picnic for the local Puerto Ricans. However, he is being harassed by the police.

Terkel interviews Jose "Cha Cha" Jiménez during a social gathering. He also interviews Brian McCutcheon of the 43rd Ward.